|
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS CONNECTED WITH WYANDOTTE AND
VICINITY BY DR. E. P. CHRISTIAN
At the beginning of this new order of things over the graves of Blue Jacket and Walk-in-the-Water, the only buildings standing on the whole tract were the already rickety and dilapidated log cabin of the former, which, however, continued to be tenant able and tenanted for several years, and the Biddle homestead, which became the principal hotel of the place for many years, passed through vicissitudes of several partial conflagrations, has been altered and repaired and still stands, probably the most substantial wooden structure in the place, though erected fifty-three years ago. It is now owned by and is the residence of Mr. Thomas Watkins, who is in the employ of the company.
In 1872 or '73 the extensive ship yard for the construction of iron vessels was established under the superintendence of Mr. F. E. Kirby. In addition to these major enterprises there have been induced to locate here other factories employing many operatives; among these, the stave and hoop factory . of Shelley '& Co., the Burrell & Whitman hoop heading and cheese-box factory a very large concern, also the Detroit Cooperage Co's factory of similar products, and notably the long wool rug factory of J. H. Bishop, a peculiarly Wyandotte enterprise, having had its beginning in a small venture in this
in consequence of want of moisture in times of drouth, the clearing off of the trees generally hastening evaporation from the ground, and the grading and draining of streets and lots hastening the discharge of the rainfall, but more were cut down by owners of lots as the first improvement, the room being wanted for gardens and fruit trees, while there were still plenty of forest trees to be seen all around; now the forests too have gone.
Michigan
Page 23
|
|
If you find this information helpful please consider making a donation
Thank you
Thank you
|
